At a time when the government is struggling to overcome economic issues, terrorism has reared its ugly head again in the country, taking the lives of dozens of innocent people and injuring over 100 others. A suicide bomber exploded himself in the middle of a rally on the Mall Road Lahore where the police officials were trying to open traffic for the convenience of the public and were negotiating with the leaders of the rally. According to the Inspector General of Police, six police officials were among the dead, including two senior officers while another 100 were wounded. The Jamatul Ahrar, a faction of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack in Lahore. On another note, various military and para-military officials are also killed across the country in terrorist incidents on the day. The latest version of terrorism has not only shattered peace in the country, but has also jeopardized the prospects of foreign investment. The government has every right to mourn the death of innocent citizens, but should also take responsibility of its intelligence and the administrative failures.
According to news reports, the intelligence agencies had already warned about a possible attack by terrorist outfits in Lahore. The incident has also shacked the business environment of the country which took place when a group of chemists and pharmaceutical manufacturers was protesting against the government crackdown on the alleged sale of spurious drugs. However, the terrorist struck the gathering during the significant presence of law enforcers in the area. The pathetic part of the situation is that there is no guarantee that this will be the last incident of terrorism. There is a need to start a ruthless operation against terrorists and their well-wishers across the country from tribal areas to Karachi and Balochistan to Lahore. India is the staunch enemy of Pakistan and is engaged in Kashmir. Its intelligence agencies will not sit idle but will try to shift the focus of international media from Kashmir to Pakistan. The government will have to take proactive approach to chase terrorists and crush them.
The government must check the Indian involvement in the incidents as it is opposing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and other projects of vital importance in Pakistan. There are good and promising news about the economy of Pakistan in the international media and the enemies are trying to destabilize peace and bulldoze economic activities in the country. Enough is enough. The time is running out and the government must act in a befitting manner to curb the menace of terrorism once for all.
